Barcelona Complete Rodri Signing From Manchester City

Barcelona have completed the signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City, bringing the midfielder back to La Liga on a contract running until June 30, 2030. The move was finalized after the 30-year-old underwent a medical on Tuesday, according to reporting by The Guardian.

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The Guardian reported that Barcelona will pay an initial €60 million, with a further €15 million available in add-ons. It said €11 million of those additional payments are considered virtually guaranteed. Barcelona’s successful approach was reportedly their third bid after two earlier offers were rejected.

Rodri leaves City after seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium. He joined the English club from Atlético Madrid in July 2019 and won four Premier League titles during his time in Manchester. His most prominent club goal came in the 2023 Champions League final, when he scored the winner against Inter Milan.

The midfielder was also the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. This summer, he captained Spain to the World Cup title and was named the tournament’s best player. That international success followed his recovery from injury and reinforced his standing before the transfer, which was completed while he had one year remaining on his City contract.

Barcelona described Rodri as one of the leading players in his position and highlighted his tactical awareness, composure, ball-winning ability and passing. He arrives three years after Sergio Busquets left the club, giving Barcelona an experienced holding midfielder whose game has long been compared with that of the former captain. Rodri has previously identified Busquets as a player whose methods he studied closely.

For Manchester City, the deal removes a central figure from a squad already undergoing change. The Guardian reported that Bernardo Silva has also departed, while new manager Enzo Maresca is rebuilding the midfield. City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but further changes remain possible before the transfer window closes. Rodri, meanwhile, returns to Spain after winning major domestic and European honors in England.